User interface with proximity detection for object tracking

ABSTRACT

A system or method for tracking items proximate a user interface device include a user interface device having at least one solid-state touch-sensitive region and a receiver for wirelessly receiving a signal from at least one item to determine proximity of the item relative to the user interface device. The device may also include a display screen for displaying controls and information. The user interface device may be permanently or removably mounted in a vehicle and used to interface with vehicle systems and personal electronic devices. Tracked items or objects may include passive or active data tags and communicate identification information and optionally position information. The device may alert the user to movement of tracked objects, and/or confirm presence of a group of objects. The device may use various wired or wireless devices to control selections and/or a cursor on the display.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/028,941,filed Sep. 17, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.12/496,938, filed Jul. 2, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,046,967, issued Jun.2, 2015), the entire disclosures of which are hereby expresslyincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for detectingproximity of one or more objects relative to a user interface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

A vehicle, such as an automobile, truck, boat, and the like typicallyincludes one or more user interfaces accessible by occupants includingan operator and/or passengers for displaying information and providinginput for various accessories located in and/or around the vehicle. Auser interface may include one or more controls that an occupant uses tocontrol an accessory, in addition to a display for displaying statusinformation for the vehicle and/or an accessory. In addition toaccessories mounted in the vehicle, a user interface may be used tocontrol portable accessories for the vehicle or occupants, such aspersonal electronic devices. As one example, a vehicle user interfacemay be used to control a wirelessly linked mobile phone when detectedwithin proximity of the vehicle. As with the accessories, the userinterface may be mounted in the vehicle, or may be portable. Forexample, a portable remote starter key fob with status display may beused to start the vehicle. Similarly, a hand-held user interface may beused to control an audio/video system or stereo system that may bepermanently or removably mounted in the vehicle, for example.

User interfaces may be used in general-purpose passenger vehicles, aswell as special-purpose commercial or industrial vehicles, to provideinput to various types of devices or accessories associated with thevehicle operation or purpose. For example, delivery vehicles may includehand-held bar code readers to identify and track packages. Such toolsmay be independent of the vehicle, or may interface with one or morevehicle systems, such as a vehicle cellular or satellite communicationssystem to send or receive delivery information, for example. The barcode reader functions as a user interface or input device to provideinformation to the operator or to a remote location, such as a centraldispatch computer, for example. Information may include the status of aparticular package, the source, destination, etc. and is typicallymanually updated by the driver when scanning a bar code or similarpackaging identifying information.

In various types of vehicles, one user interface, referred to as theinstrument cluster, is located behind the steering wheel for access bythe operator of the vehicle. Another user interface, referred to as thecenter stack console, is accessible to the operator and any front seatpassengers. Other areas of a vehicle that may have user interfaces forcontrol and/or information display include door armrests, where window,minor, and security controls may be placed, and overhead consoles wheresunroof and interior lighting controls may be placed, for example. Ofcourse, the particular type of user interface and its location may varydepending on the type of information displayed or accessory beingcontrolled across a wide variety of applications.

Various user interfaces, such as the center stack console, for example,may include controls and a display associated with multiple accessories,such as audio, navigation, and climate control (heating, ventilating,and air conditioning) accessories, for example. The surface of the userinterface is divided into adjacent areas each being associated with anaccessory. Each area of the user interface has controls positionedadjacent to a portion of the display. Many of the controls are typicallyimplemented as mechanical switches such as pushbutton switches, rockers,slide switches, and rotary switches that an operator uses to controlvarious functions of the corresponding accessories. These switchesoperate using mechanical mechanisms to complete electrical contact. As aresult, mechanical switches may exhibit reduced performance over time asactivation causes wear on moving components and electrical contacts.Switch reliability declines and contacts may become intermittent withcontinued use. In addition, repeated physical contact may lead todeterioration of switch face legends and graphics. Mechanical switchesare also susceptible to contamination from external matter like dirt,food, and liquids. Ultimately, mechanical switches are expensive forautomotive use. In today's automobile, mechanical switches as thecontrols for vehicle accessories are responsible for some $400 or so ofthe automobile cost.

In addition to inherent physical limitations and cost, mechanicalswitches present constraints to automotive ergonomics and aesthetics bylimiting vehicle styling and layout options. In particular, mechanicalswitches are permanently fixed, numerous, and occupy relatively largeportions of the surface of the user interface. For example, a standardHVAC system requires controls for adjusting vent selection, blower motorspeed, temperature, etc. The controls may be doubled to accommodateindividual comfort control between the driver and a passenger. In aluxury class vehicle, the HVAC system may further require controls forheated mirrors, heated seats, rear passenger air flow, etc.

As vehicle accessories are augmented with additional features, the userinterface used to control these accessories becomes increasinglycomplex. Additional accessory features are accompanied by more controlsand adding mechanical switches may increase the size of the interface.If the interface has a display associated with the accessory, expansionof the control interface may be necessary to accommodate operatorcontrol of the additional features. Together, the mechanical switchesand the displays of a control interface consume valuable space of thesurface of the control interface and increase overall cost.

Mechanical switches should be arranged to provide comprehensive andintuitive accessory control for the user. Excessive buttons or knobsclutter the interface and may result in the operator hunting for adesired switch. Sophisticated multi-function control knobs, those withswitches that activate by tilting, pivoting, or swiveling, may haveobscure functions and may be difficult to maneuver for some operators.Furthermore, sophisticated control knobs have many intricate partsmaking them expensive and prone to failure.

SUMMARY

A system or method for tracking items proximate a user interface deviceinclude a user interface having at least one touch-sensitive region anda receiver for wirelessly receiving a signal from at least one item todetermine proximity of the item relative to the user interface device.

In one embodiment, a system or method includes a user interface devicehaving a sealed housing containing a display screen having an inputregion with user touch detected based on capacitive coupling. Otherembodiments include detection of user touch using acoustic, optical,and/or combination strategies such as surface acoustic wave (SAW), photodetection, and the like. According to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, items or objects include a passive or active data tag anddirectly or indirectly communicate at least identification informationto the user interface device. The interface device may determinelocation, presence, and/or proximity of the item based on thecommunication and display status information for the identified objects,which may include the presence or absence of a particular object orgroup of objects within a corresponding designated proximity of the userinterface device. The user interface device may be permanently orremovably mounted in a vehicle and powered by a vehicle battery,internal battery, and/or AC power, for example. In one embodiment, auser interface device communicates with a remote input device, such as aposition controller or pointer device that may be implemented by a touchpad, track ball, stylus, or similar device mounted in a vehicle. Oneembodiment includes a remote input device implemented by a steeringwheel mounted track ball in wired or wireless communication with theuser interface device. Another embodiment includes a remote input deviceimplemented by a touch pad mounted on a steering wheel of a vehicle.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a user interfacedevice having a touch pad secured to a generally transparent ortranslucent faceplate by a refractive index matched adhesive to reducevisibility of touch pad components through the faceplate. The userinterface device may be used in a variety of applications includinglogistics management, object tracking, and/or vehicle/personalaccessories control, for example.

Embodiments of a system or method according to the present disclosureinclude various advantages. For example, use of an input deviceincorporating a solid-state touch sensitive surface improves robustnessand longevity. Touch sensitive input devices according to the presentdisclosure may be mounted behind the surface of relatively thicknon-conductive materials, such as glass, and are thus unaffected byexternal contamination, which facilitates portable use for variouscommercial and industrial applications, for example. In someapplications, flexible construction of capacitive touch pads can be usedto better accommodate ergonomic and aesthetic design considerations.Various embodiments include optically transparent touch pads tofacilitate overlaying of the touch pad on a corresponding display of theuser interface device, which may reduce the surface area required forcontrols and/or input devices. Furthermore, overlay construction isamenable to direct visual feedback of touch switch activation. Touchsensitive surfaces or regions can be arranged to create custom controlinterfaces to supplant virtually any kind of input or control device,including single button switches, dials, multi-point inputs, keyboards,position controllers, etc.

In addition to accessories mounted in a vehicle, various types ofportable accessories may be manipulated using a touch sensitive userinterface according to the present disclosure. The user interface may bepermanently or removably mounted in the vehicle and used to control anddisplay information associated with vehicle accessories and/or personalelectronic devices used in or around a vehicle. For example, theexpanding market of personal electronic devices and associated remotewireless access and communications capabilities enables remote access tovehicle accessory systems. Conversely, many vehicles are capable ofcommunicating with and controlling personal portable electronics via auser interface of the vehicle, such as a vehicle voice recognitionsystem used to control a mobile phone wirelessly linked to the vehicleuser interface. Embodiments may include a vehicle mounted input devicesuch as a touch pad or track ball in communication with a user interfacedevice to facilitate use of the user interface device by vehicleoccupants.

Embodiments of a touch sensitive user interface that employ mutualcapacitance according to the present disclosure are capable of singlepoint and multipoint sensing of human touch through relatively thicknon-conductive surfaces. Mutual capacitance sensing also facilitatestouch detection through thick surfaces including any combination ofnatural or synthetic material such as glass, plastic, wood, rubber, andleather up to one quarter inch thick.

A user interface according to the present disclosure may provide singleand/or multiple sensing regions (e.g., capacitive touch switches, touchpads) located at desired touch points on the surface of the userinterface to create unique surface locations that when touched generatesingle point, multipoint, or two-dimensional coordinate information, forexample.

Embodiments according to the present disclosure may use opticallytransparent materials including Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), clear conductivepolymers, or other such materials to provide a touch sensitive region ofthe user interface over a display of the interface. The ITO may beapplied directly to the surface to create the desired touch sensitiveregions, or applied to a substrate film layer, such as a polyesterlayer, which is then affixed to the surface of the interface. Touch padscan be constructed on single or multiple substrate layers to achievedesired layout and performance characteristics. For applications notrequiring transparent control surfaces, more conventional translucent oropaque materials such as metal foil, conductive ink, metal film, orconductive epoxy may be used.

In other embodiments, a user interface for controlling vehicleaccessories includes capacitive touch regions integrated with a displaydevice to create visual feedback in response to detecting a touch(contact or proximity) of a user using mutual capacitance detectionstrategies to facilitate placement of the sensing layer on the internalside of a display surface. Mutual capacitance technology according tothe present disclosure facilitates placement of touch pads behind, infront of, or within thicker display surfaces, such as glass, whileproviding multi-touch point recognition. In addition, touch sensitiveregions can be tailored to follow intricate contours of the surface ofthe user interface and can be made transparent for overlaying a display.Sensitivity thresholds for touch pads can be increased to detect userpresence prior to actual contact with the surface of the user interface.This proximity detection capability permits displays to remain inactive,dimmed, or hidden until an approaching object, such as a human finger,is detected. When the object is sensed, the display brightens or becomesactive prior to actual contact with the touch sensitive region. Mutualcapacitance techniques also facilitate recognition of various types ofinputs, such as a single point, multipoint simultaneous, multipointsequential, and/or multipoint gestural inputs corresponding to sensorproximity and/or contact. Using multiple touch switch inputs, gesturingcan be detected and processed into corresponding operator inputcommands. Multiple gesture interpretation can be recognized andprocessed to create consecutive or simultaneous macro command sequencesfor controlling vehicle accessories.

Embodiments of a user interface according to the present disclosurefacilitate sharing of electrical interface hardware and input controlsof the user interface for multiple vehicle accessories and/or multiplepersonal electronic accessories. This facilitates input/control andoutput/display for multiple vehicle accessories from a common,programmable interface that can be removably or permanently mounted in avehicle, such as within an instrument cluster or center stack console,for example.

Various embodiments of a user interface according to the presentdisclosure may provide customized and/or restricted access to variousfunctions in response to one or more occupant and/or vehicle statusindicators. For example, one embodiment includes a conductor disposedwithin a vehicle seat with an electrical signal applied to the conductorto act as a carrier or signature signal that is detected by the userinterface during proximity or surface contact to determine whichoccupant is manipulating the user interface. The user interface maycontrol accessibility to various functions and/or may customize the userinterface display and controls based on which occupant is manipulatingthe user interface. In addition, various other vehicle and/or ambientstatus information may be used to determine the user interfaceconfiguration, display features, and/or available functions, forexample.

Embodiments of a system or method according to the present disclosuremay also include a user interface having wireless communicationscapabilities. In one embodiment, a user interface provides remote accessand control over vehicle accessories and/or personal electronic devices.The user interface provides a touch sensitive control and display forpersonal electronics in addition to remote access to vehicleaccessories. In another embodiment, a user interface communicates withone or more items or objects having a passive or active data tag todetermine proximity of the object(s) to the user interface device. Inone embodiment, the user interface device identifies an object or groupof objects within a selected proximity and generates an alert signal inresponse. The alert signal may be used to identify an object that is notwithin the selected proximity, or to indicate that a defined group ofobjects are within the selected proximity, for example.

An embodiment of a user interface system or detection method accordingto the present disclosure may also include a user interface system thatincorporates at least one camera to determine a user's gesture. Forexample, one embodiment would use a camera pointed to the driver of thevehicle. The camera would feed video directly to the user interfacesystem and the user interface system would recognize various gesturessuch as, eye movement, head turns, shoulder shrugs, hand or fingermovements, and the like and process those movements into commands. Inanother example the camera would be located in the rear lift gate of thevehicle and the camera could be used in conjunction with a userinterface to create a keyless entry system that could recognize the useror a user gesture such as eye movement, head turns, shoulder shrugs,hand or finger movements, and the like to unlock and open the lift gateas the user approaches.

The system camera, monitoring and control when used with ignition off,creates vehicle battery drain if the camera is directly connected to thevehicle battery source. One embodiment of a camera power system canovercome the system power consumption by including a rechargeablebattery that is charged by a combination of the vehicle electricalsystem and a solar cell attached to the camera assembly. For example,during ignition off the keyless entry system is active thereby allowingpower to the camera, for identifying a user by gesture, from therechargeable battery without drain to the vehicle battery. Therechargeable battery is subsequently recharged by the vehicle electricalsystem when the engine is running. For periods of extended time betweenengine starts the solar cell is used to recharge the battery. Thecombination of vehicle or solar charging allows the camera battery to besized to reduce cost and space.

The above embodiments, features, and advantages as well as otherembodiments, features, and advantages of a system or method according tothe present disclosure will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skillin the art from the following detailed description taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system having a user interfacethat may be used to control a vehicle accessory in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2a-2f illustrate configurations for mounting capacitive touchswitches to the surface of a touch sensitive user interface inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a user interface having touch sensitive switchesarranged in a representative configuration in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a group of touch sensitive switches of the userinterface shown in FIG. 3 arranged in a representative configuration forentering single input commands;

FIG. 5 illustrates another group of touch sensitive switches of the userinterface shown in FIG. 3 arranged in a representative configuration forentering multiple sequential input commands;

FIG. 6 illustrates another group of touch sensitive switches of thevehicle accessory control interface shown in FIG. 3 arranged in arepresentative configuration for entering single input commands andmultiple sequential input commands;

FIG. 7 illustrates another group of touch sensitive switches of the userinterface shown in FIG. 3 arranged in a representative configuration forentering single input and multiple sequential input commands using atwo-dimensional input array;

FIG. 8 illustrates a more detailed view of a portion of thetwo-dimensional input array shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical circuit forcapacitive touch electronics of a user interface for reading multipletouch switch inputs into a one input touch switch drive and detectioncircuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is an assembly drawing illustrating a representative userinterface incorporating an adhesive selected to reduce visibility oftouch detection features according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11a illustrates a user interface incorporating a touch pad withcomponent features visible through the faceplate to a user;

FIG. 11b illustrates a user interface incorporating a touch pad havingreduced visibility of component features associated with an adhesiveselected to improve refractive index matching;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating operation of a system or methodfor tracking items proximate a user interface device having at least onetouch sensitive region according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating operation of one embodiment of a userinterface device having at least one touch sensitive region in arepresentative application according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating operation of a system or method forproviding user input via a touch sensitive user interface/input deviceaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 schematically shows another user interface and sensorarrangement and illustrates operation of a system for providing a handsfree keyless entry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various featuresillustrated and described with reference to any one of the Figures maybe combined with features illustrated in one or more other Figures toproduce embodiments that are not necessarily explicitly illustrated ordescribed. Likewise, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat embodiments illustrated in particular Figures may be used inapplications described with respect to embodiments illustrated in otherFigures. The combinations of features illustrated provide representativeembodiments for representative applications. However, variouscombinations and modifications of the features consistent with theteachings of this disclosure may be desired for particular applicationsor implementations.

Touch sensitive user interface devices according to the presentdisclosure may be used to advantage in a wide variety of applications.In vehicle applications, for example, touch sensitive user interfacedevices facilitate interaction with more sophisticated vehicles, inaddition to various types of personal portable electronics that may beused in and around vehicles. With the increase in available vehicleaccessories, options, and general or special purpose vehicleapplications, user interfaces according to the present disclosure may beused to provide efficient management of control and display functionswhile affording designers flexibility in arranging the interface forboth ergonomics and aesthetics.

As used herein, a touch sensitive user interface refers to virtually anytype of user interface that includes one or more regions used to captureuser input associated with proximity to, or contact with, the touchsensitive region. A user interface having touch sensitive regionsaccording to the present disclosure may use solid-state electronicdevices to implement one or more detection strategies as generally knownto those of ordinary skill in the art. As such, various embodiments maybe implemented independent of the particular detection strategy used tocapture user input, while other embodiments may be limited to aparticular detection strategy. Detection strategies may incorporatevarious electrical, acoustical, optical, and/or combination strategiesto detect user input, which may include gestures detected by contactwith, and/or proximity to, a particular touch sensitive region, forexample. Representative user input detection strategies may incorporatecapacitance (or mutual capacitance), optical beam, infrared,vision/camera, and surface acoustic wave detection strategies, forexample. Such strategies often provide superior reliability and reducedoverall cost relative to mechanical switches, although mechanicalswitches may also be incorporated into and/or used in cooperation with auser interface in various embodiments of the present disclosure. Ingeneral, solid-state touch sensitive switches according to the presentdisclosure provide advantages relating to reduced control interfacecomplexity and improved ergonomics, while providing a sealed userinterface for use in challenging environments that can be permanently orremovably mounted in a vehicle.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram illustrating one embodiment ofa system 10 having a user interface 12 that may be used to control oneor more vehicle accessories, personal electronic devices, and/or as aninput device for an object tracking system according to the presentdisclosure is shown. User interface 12 includes a surface 14 constructedfrom, for example, a rigid, transparent, non-conductive material, suchas glass or plastic. User interface 12 includes one or more touchsensitive regions, which are implemented by capacitive touch switches(i.e., touch pads) 16 in this embodiment. However, other strategies maybe used to detect user input depending on the particular application andimplementation as previously described. Touch switches 16 may be mountedin front of, within, and/or behind control interface surface 14 atrespective touch sensitive areas or regions of interface surface 14.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the user doesnot actually touch the active region or touch switch 16 in mostapplications because the touch switch is positioned behind or within aprotective non-conductive material as previously described. As such, asgenerally used herein, activating, triggering, contacting, or touching atouch sensitive region, switch, or pad includes contacting the surfaceof any protective covering or faceplate, or the outermost surface of theinterface. In some applications, touch sensitive regions or switches mayalso be activated or triggered by an object within close proximity ofthe surface of the protective covering or faceplate without actuallycontacting the surface. Triggering or activation of a particular switchor region may be determined by an associated signal exceeding acorresponding trigger threshold, or by a rate of change in the signalexceeding a corresponding threshold, for example.

Interface 12 is associated with one or more devices, which may includeone or more accessories of a vehicle, personal electronic devices, etc.Interface 12 may be permanently or removably mounted in a vehicle andmay be powered by an internal battery, a vehicle battery, and/or an ACpower cord depending on the particular application and implementation.As such, interface 12 may communicate with one or more associateddevices via a wired and/or wireless connection. In one embodiment,interface 12 includes at least a receiver for receiving information fromactive tags associated with objects within a predetermined orprogrammable proximity of user interface device 12. Alternatively,interface 12 may include a transceiver for wirelessly polling and/orcommunicating information, such as identification information, statusinformation, position/location information, etc. with one or moreobjects within a designated proximity of user interface device 12 asdescribed in greater detail herein.

A mounting location for interface 12 may be selected for accessibilityby one or more vehicle occupants, such as a vehicle operator 24.Operator 24 can trigger (i.e., contact or be in proximity with) touchsensitive region or switches 16 (e.g., “controls”, “inputs”, “inputcontrols”, “touch pads”, “touch sensitive areas”) to provide input todevices associated with interface 12. Device input may then be processedto control various functions of the corresponding devices, which mayinclude displaying information associated with one or more devices, forexample. In the embodiment illustrated, interface surface 14 may alsofunction as a display to communicate status or identificationinformation, for example, associated with one or more of the devicesassociated with control interface 12. As such, interface surface 14 mayalso be referred to as a display surface.

System 10 further includes touch switch drive and detection electronics18. Drive and detection electronics 18 drive touch switches 16 with anelectrical charge and detect touch activation of touch switches 16 whiletouch switches 16 are driven with the electrical charge. Drive anddetection electronics 18 can either be collocated with touch switches 16on control interface surface 14 or separated from user interface 12 byan electrically conductive wire 20 (as shown in FIG. 1). Drive anddetection electronics 18 can be integrated into a sealed housing withvarious other components for increased functionality, particularly for aportable interface 12 in more challenging applications or environments.Drive and detection electronics 18 generate signals indicative ofactivation of touch switches 16 in response to manipulation ortriggering of (for example, contacting or nearly contacting) touchswitches 16 by operator 24. While being driven with an electricalcharge, touch switch 16 will trigger or activate upon contact with aconductive object, such as a human finger, as a result of touch switch16 capacitively coupling with the conductive object. Similarly, ifsensitive enough, a touch switch 16 may be activated by a conductiveobject in proximity with touch switch 16 as a result of touch switch 16capacitively coupling with the object while being driven with anelectrical charge, as previously described.

In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, system 10provides customized and/or restricted access to various functions inresponse to one or more occupant and/or vehicle status indicators 34.Representative vehicle status indicators may include whether the vehicleis moving or stationary, vehicle speed, doors open/closed, enginerunning or stopped, parking brake set/released, airbagactivated/deactivated, etc. Representative occupant status indicatorsmay include where an occupant is seated, whether a seatbelt is latched,a stored preference selector, etc. In one embodiment, vehicle/occupantstatus 34 includes occupant position or presence detection using aconductor disposed within a vehicle seat with an electrical signalapplied to the conductor to act as a carrier or signature signal that isdetected by the user interface during proximity or surface contact todetermine which occupant is manipulating the user interface. The userinterface may control accessibility to various functions and/or maycustomize the user interface display and controls based on whichoccupant is manipulating the user interface. In addition, various othervehicle and/or ambient status information may be used to determine theuser interface configuration, display features, and/or availablefunctions, for example.

As also illustrated in FIG. 1, system 10 includes a device interface tocommunicate input and/or receive output from one or more associateddevices. The device interface may be implemented by software and/orhardware using proprietary or standard, wired or wireless communicationprotocols, for example. The device interface functions to providesuitable signal types and levels to control associated devices and mayprovide various signal conditioning and circuitry protection functionsas well. Similarly, the device interface may condition or formatincoming signals for use by user interface 12. In one embodiment, adevice interface is implemented by accessory control electronics 22.Accessory control electronics 22 are operable to control the functionsof the accessories associated with user interface 12 in response toactivation of one or more touch switches 16. In this embodiment,accessory control electronics 22 receive the touch activation signalsfrom drive and detection electronics 18 over an electrically conductivewire 26. In turn, accessory control electronics 22 control the functionsof the accessories associated with user interface 12 in response toactivation of one or more touch switches 16. In another embodiment, thedevice interface communicates with associated devices wirelessly using aproprietary or standard communication strategy or protocol, such asBluetooth, for example. Other embodiments may include both wired andwireless communication for control, data input, or information displayrelative to an associated accessory or other device.

Referring now to FIGS. 2a through 2 f, with continual reference to FIG.1, representative mounting configurations for capacitive touch switches16 to user interface surface 14 in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure are shown. FIGS. 2a through 2f illustrate a partialuser interface 12 with corresponding touch switches 16. Of course, theactual number and configuration of touch switches 16 will depend on therequirements of the particular application. Depending on size andstrength requirements of user interface 12, surface 14 is typicallybetween 0.100 to 0.250 inches in thickness and is made of a materialsuch as glass or plastic.

In the mounting configuration of FIG. 2a , touch switches 16 are locatedbetween the external side of surface 14 and a non-conductive exteriorlayer 28. Layer 28 is placed as a protective shield to prevent directoperator contact with touch switches 16. Layer 28 may also beimplemented by a substrate upon which touch switches 16 are initiallyconstructed. For embodiments where layer 28 is a substrate forconstruction of touch switches 16, layer 28 may be made ofpolycarbonate, acrylic, or polyester, for example. In any case, operatorcontact occurs on outer surface 30 of layer 28. The thickness of layer28 is typically selected based on the performance requirements of aparticular application. Representative applications may include a layerthickness of between about 0.005 inches and about 0.015 inches. For mostapplications, signal strength increases as a conductive objectapproaches touch switches 16, with the maximum signal strengthcorresponding to contact with layer 28. As such, a thinner layer 28 maybe used to advantage to increase maximum signal strength when coveringtouch switches 16 that may otherwise exhibit low sensitivity as athinner layer 28 may increase capacitive coupling by facilitating closerproximity of the conductive object. Although it is not required thatlayer 28 be kept thin, this thickness presents a significantdisadvantage in touch technologies different from that defined herein.

The mounting configuration represented in FIG. 2b provides a simpleapproach for placing touch switches 16 onto user interface surface 14.In this configuration, touch switches 16 are placed directly onto thebackside (i.e., internal side) of user interface surface 14 without anadditional protective layer between touch switches 16 and surface 14.This is a cost effective approach where touch switches 16 do not requireprotection on the back side of user interface surface 14. Placing touchswitches 16 onto the back side of interface surface 14 clears externalside 32 of user interface surface 14 (i.e., the side of user interfacesurface 14 presented to operator 24) from touch switch components andprotective films. A designer is then free to transform external side 32of user interface surface 14 to create whatever appearance is desired.

In the mounting configuration of FIG. 2c , touch switches 16 are locatedbetween the internal side of interface surface 14 and a non-conductiveexterior layer 28. This construction is similar to that of FIG. 2a . Inthis embodiment, layer 28 forms the substrate onto which touch switches16 are initially constructed. Once assembled, layer 28 can also functionas a protective shield for touch switches 16, though protection may notbe necessary as touch switches 16 are located on the backside ofinterface surface 14. As previously described, placing touch switches 16onto the internal side of surface 14 clears external side 32 of surface14 from touch switch components and protective films. This providesgreater flexibility in selection of finishes for external side 32.

In the mounting configuration of FIG. 2d , a non-conductive layer 28 isplaced on the internal side of interface surface 14 and touch switches16 are placed on layer 28. As a result, layer 28 is disposed between theinternal side of surface 14 and touch switches 16. In thisconfiguration, layer 28 with touch switches 16 thereon can be bonded tothe internal side of surface 14 without exerting bonding stress on touchswitches 16.

In the mounting configuration of FIG. 2e , two separate touch switchlayers 16 a, 16 b are placed on respective sides of a non-conductivelayer 28 with the first touch switch layer 16 a being placed on theinternal side of interface surface 14. This configuration is desirablewhen two layers of touch switches 16 are desired to meet the designrequirements of user interface 12. A cost savings can be realized eitherin the manufacturing of touch switches 16 or by simplifying assembly ofinterface 12 when this configuration is selected.

FIG. 2f illustrates another representative mounting configuration withalternating touch switch layers and non-conductive layers. First andsecond touch switch layers 16 a, 16 b are placed on respective sides ofa first non-conductive layer 28 a with touch switch layer 16 a disposedon the internal side of surface 14. A second non-conductive layer 28 bis placed over second touch switch layer 16 b. Each layer of touchswitches 16 a, 16 b is initially constructed as a single layer onseparate substrates 28 a, 28 b, respectively. Once constructed, theindividual substrates 28 a, 28 b are then stacked to create multi-layertouch switches 16.

Through rearrangement, substitution, or addition of the user interfacecomponents shown in FIG. 2a though 2 f, further variations of controlinterface 12 can be realized. For example, the configuration in FIG. 2fcan be characterized as having two single layer substrates 28 a, 28 b.However, this configuration can also be characterized as having onedouble layer substrate 28 a, as illustrated in FIG. 2e , in addition toan exterior substrate layer 28 b functioning as a protective layer.Likewise, the configuration in FIG. 2e can be constructed with more thantwo touch switch layers 16 a, 16 b. The touch switch layers 16 a, 16 bin FIG. 2e can be applied to external side 32 of surface 14 to createmultiple layer touch switches on external side 32 similar to theconfiguration in FIG. 2 a.

Referring now to FIG. 3, with continual reference to FIG. 1, a userinterface 12 having touch switches 16 arranged in a representativeconfiguration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosureis shown. In this embodiment, user interface surface 14 functions as anaccessory control area permanently or removably mounted within a vehiclecenter stack console. Touch switches 16 are positioned across controlinterface surface 14 to provide operator 24 with controls for variousvehicle accessories, such as audio, climate control, and navigation, forexample. Touch switches 16 are arranged in separate touch switch regionsor groups 40, 50, 60, and 70. As described in greater detail below withreference to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7, touch switches 16 of each touchswitch group are arranged in certain patterns and arrays to providedesired functionality for this representative application. Of course,the representative configuration is used only for ease of illustrationand explanation and those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat the touch sensitive switches 16 may be arranged in virtually anyconceivable configuration to provide desired functionality for aparticular application or implementation.

In the representative configuration illustrated in FIG. 3, touchswitches 16 are shared among accessories to reduce the overall number ofswitches to control all available accessory functions. In thisembodiment, surface 14 is optically transparent for viewing of a displaydevice positioned behind surface 14. Graphical images generated by thedisplay device can then be seen through surface 14 to assist operator 24in locating positions of desired touch switches 16, and/or to displayaccessory functions assigned to each touch switch 16, for example. Inthis regard, surface 14 may also be referred to as a display surface. Asdescribed in greater detail below, refractive index matchingconsiderations may be used to reduce user visibility of variouscomponents of touch switches 16 through surface 14.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the arrangement of touch switches 16 of touchswitch group 40 of user interface 12 shown in FIG. 3 will be describedin greater detail. As previously described, in this representativeembodiment, touch switches 16 of touch switch group 40 are arranged in aconfiguration for entering single input commands. For example, touchswitches 16 of touch switch group 40 may function as accessory selectionswitches. In the illustrated example, touch switch group 40 includes sixtouch switches 16. Of course, the number and/or configuration of touchswitches 16 may vary depending upon the particular application andimplementation. Each touch switch 16 can be assigned a primary device oraccessory, such as audio, climate control, navigation, communication, orvehicle status reporting, for example. Depending upon the particularapplication, each touch switch 16 may also be associated with more thanone device. One advantage of using touch sensitive switches according tothe present disclosure is the ability to program user interface 12 toassign one or more functions to touch switches 16 and provide acorresponding visual display to improve usability of the interface formultiple devices. Once a particular device or accessory is selected byactivation of a corresponding touch switch 16, the functionality of oneor more of the touch switches within group 40 may switch to a secondaryfunction associated with the selected device or accessory, for example.

FIG. 5 illustrates touch switches 16 of touch switch group 50 of userinterface 12 (shown in FIG. 3) in greater detail. Touch switches 16 ofgroup 50 are arranged in a configuration particularly suited forentering multiple sequential input commands. As such, touch switches 16of touch switch group 50 are arranged close together in an arcuatefashion. This configuration may be used to imitate or simulate an analoginput, such as an input associated with a slider control, for example.Of course, switches 16 may be arranged in other configurations toprovide simulated analog input, such as in a circle to simulate a rotarydial, or in a horizontal, vertical, and/or diagonal linear fashion asillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, for example. Simulated analog inputprovided by these configurations or similar configurations may be usedfor various functions in a number of applications, such as for adjustingclimate control temperature settings; adjusting volume, tone, or balancesettings for a vehicle mounted or personal portable audio accessory; oras a scrubber bar for browsing information of a navigation accessory,for example.

In the example of FIG. 5, touch switch group 50 includes nine (9) touchswitches 16. Because of their close proximity to one another, two ormore adjacent touch switches 16 may be triggered or activatedsimultaneously when operator 24 is within close proximity to and/orcontacts interface surface 14. Switch detection electronics 18 canprocess signal data from each of these nine inputs (i.e., touch switches16) individually and/or as groups or subgroups to generate variouscontrol signals for associated accessories. Adjacent touch switches 16that are simultaneously activated can then be interpreted as inputpoints falling between adjacent touch switches 16. For example, ifinputs are processed both separately for each individual switch, and incombination of two-switch pairs for adjacent switches, seventeendifferent inputs may be detected. Alternatively, or in combination,activation of switches within group 50 can be interpreted as a singlegroup or multiple groups by mapping switch inputs to a common command,or ignoring activation of any number of the touch switch signals, forexample, to emulate a smaller number of touch switches 16.

Referring now to FIG. 6, switch group 60 of interface 12 (FIG. 3) isshown in greater detail. Touch switches 16 of group 60 are arranged in aconfiguration suitable both for entering single input commands andmultiple sequential input commands. Touch switches 16 of group 60 arearranged in respective arrays of single point touch switches 16. Eachtouch switch 16 can be activated to generate a specific input commandsimilar to that of a mechanical switch. Additionally, touch switches 16are intentionally arranged in respective arrays to accommodate touchinput expressed in a gestural form. Activation of any one of touchswitches 16 (or adjacent pairs of switches in some applications) canprompt recognition of a single point input command. Sequentialactivation of more than one touch switch 16 can be interpreted as aninput gesture rather than a series of single point input commands.

One example of an application for arrays of touch switches 16 configuredas a touch switch group 60 is for use in operating the climate controlsystem of a vehicle. In this representative application, tapping touchswitch (touch pad) TP21 activates a climate adjustment mode for thedriver while tapping touch pad TP25 activates a climate adjustment modefor the passenger. After an occupant is selected, sequential activationof touch pads TP21-TP22-TP23-TP24-TP25 represents a command to increasefan speed for the selected occupant. Conversely, sequential activationof these touch pads 16 in the reverse order represents a command toreduce fan speed. At the same time, a sequential activation of touchpads TP16-TP17-TP19-TP23-TP27-TP29-TP30 represents the command todecrease temperature for the selected occupant, while touch padactivation in the reverse order represents a command to increasetemperature.

Not all of touch switches 16 of a touch switch group need to beactivated for the gestural command to be recognized. Sequentialactivation of two or more touch switches 16 may be recognized as agestural input or command. Appropriate position of touch switches 16facilitates interpolation of positions between or among proximate touchpads when desired. Interpolated positions may be used to simulate ananalog input, such as a potentiometer input, for example. This featureis useful when trying to create precise set-point controls, such asthose used for temperature or volume adjustment, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 7, touch switches 16 of switch group 70 of userinterface 12 (FIG. 3) are shown in greater detail. The configuration ofswitches 16 within group 70 facilitates both single input and multiplesequential input commands using a two-dimensional input array. As such,touch switches 16 are arranged in touch switch columns 16 a and touchswitch rows 16 b. Touch switch columns 16 a and rows 16 b are separatedfrom one another by a substrate layer 28 as illustrated and describedwith reference to FIGS. 2e and 2f The individual touch switch columns 16a and rows 16 b (see FIG. 8) are formed by sequentially connected touchswitches 16. Touch switches 16 are positioned to reduce signal crosstalk between switches of column 16 a and row 16 b by managing the sizeof any overlap area 72 common to both switch columns 16 a and rows 16 b.In addition, touch switches 16 may be appropriately sized and positionedto define areas void of touch pad material on both sides of substrate 28to reduce or eliminate overlap 72 and resulting cross talk between touchswitch layers 16 a, 16 b.

During use, operator 24 moves within proximity of, or contacts surface14 capacitively coupling with one or more switches 16 within column 16 aand/or row 16 b. Touch switch columns 16 a and rows 16 b may bepositioned so that the operator contact area will include both a touchpad column 16 a and row 16 b. The activated location is determined bymonitoring the signals generated by each touch switch column 16 a androw 16 b. When contact is not directly over a touch switch column 16 aor row 16 b, the activated position may be interpolated by reading theinput signal from the two closest touch switch columns 16 a and rows 16b as determined by the corresponding signal strengths corresponding tosurrounding switches. As all touch switch columns 16 a and rows 16 bsense independently, it is possible to identify a multitude of contactareas within array 70. As such, array 70 is capable of simultaneousmulti-point recognition. One or more touch locations may then beidentified by the intersecting points of high signal strength, forexample. Multi-point or multi-touch recognition may be used to generatevarious types of input, including but not limited to gestural input, forexample.

Because of their close proximity to one another, adjacent touch switchcolumns 16 a and rows 16 b can produce an input signal when operator 24makes contact between them on control interface surface 14. Adjacenttouch switch columns 16 a and rows 16 b experiencing simultaneous inputsignal can then be interpreted as input points that fall betweenadjacent touch switch columns 16 a or rows 16 b.

Technologies such as resistive touch screens are established as positionsensing touch panels. However, resistive touch screens do not completelyaddress the problems associated with mechanical switches. Resistivetouch screens are placed on the external side of a control interfacesurface where they are continuously subjected to activation pressures,lay flat, and have a simple footprint such as a square or a rectangle.Their application is limited both by their geometry and durability.Capacitive touch sensors (i.e., capacitive touch switches) are a bettersolution for applications that can benefit from interface surfaces withcomplex geometries. Likewise placement of capacitive touch sensorsbehind or within the control interface surface completely hides theelectrical components to produce a clean and natural appearing surface.

Referring now to FIG. 9, with continual reference to FIG. 1, anelectrical circuit diagram of the capacitive touch electronics ofcontrol interface 12 for reading multiple touch switch inputs 16 into aone input touch switch drive and detection circuit 18 in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. This electricalcircuit diagram illustrates exemplary electronic circuitry for operatinga multitude of capacitive touch sensors 16 arranged as an array. Theoutlined circuitry block 18 represents a single input drive anddetection circuit for measuring the capacitive signal developed on atouch sensor 16.

In this example, switches A through H of a multiplexor 91 provide solidstate switching between touch sensors 16 and drive and detectionelectronics in a multiplexed fashion which permits one drive anddetection circuit 18 to sense input on eight independent touch sensors16. When solid state switch A of multiplexor 91 is closed, drive anddetection circuitry 18 becomes electrically connected to touch sensor 16b that is connected to ROW 1. Drive and detection circuitry 18 turnseach solid state switch 16 on in progression to read each of the fourtouch switch columns 16 a and rows 16 b independently. This successivemultiplexed reading of touch inputs has the benefit of reducing thenumber of inputs and components required by drive and detection circuit18. In one embodiment drive and detection circuitry 18 uses amicroprocessor 92 to control the multiplexing and sensor reading tasks.However, drive and detection circuitry 18 could employ an ASIC or othersuch highly integrated circuit.

In one embodiment, position interpolation is performed by measuringcapacitive signal strength developed on adjacent touch switches 16,columns 16 a, and rows 16 b and then interpolating actual touch positionby comparing the signal strengths on two adjacent touch switch columns16 a or rows 16 b. This effectively increases resolution withoutadditional hardware. The output response from drive and detectioncircuitry 18 can be individual signals for each touch switch 16, and/ora serial data stream. The output response can represent or identify anactivated touch switch 16 and/or provide an indication of signalstrength for each touch switch 16 to be processed further by accessorycontrol electronics 22.

In one embodiment, the input signal acquired by drive and detectioncircuitry 18 when reading a touch switch 16 is a numerical valuerepresenting the amount of electrical charge developed on the touchswitch as a result of capacitive coupling to its surroundings. For asingle switch input, the measured or detected charge value can becompared directly to a predetermined or adaptable threshold value todetermine whether touch switch 16 has been activated. Alternatively, orin combination, a delta or change in the measured charge value, and/or arate of change in the measured charge value is/are compared to one ormore corresponding thresholds to determine switch activation. Those ofordinary skill in the art may recognize various other strategies fordetecting activation or triggering of a touch sensitive switch.

Gestural command inputs can be used to communicate special instructionsby the operator to the accessory control. For example a touch gesturetracing the outline of a circle or partial arc on the touch switch arraymay represent a command to rotate or turn a virtual control knob that isrepresented on a display behind control interface surface 14. Tracing anX on the touch switch array could signify the canceling of a functionwhile tracing a check mark might communicate acceptance or completion ofaccessory adjustments. A gestural input may be detected by drive anddetection circuitry 18 by detecting a sequence or series of switchactivations across a group or array of touch switches 16. For example,switch activations of designated switches detected by drive anddetection circuitry 18 over a predetermined time period can be decodedas a gestural input command.

As previously described, one advantage of using capacitive touch sensors16 in a user interface 12 is the ability to detect an object within someproximity of touch switch 16 before the object actually makes contactwith surface 14. This capability may be used in various applications toprovide a “wakeup” response for a “sleeping” user interface 12. Forexample, user interface 12 can enter a sleep mode after a period ofinactivity where any corresponding lights or displays are darkened orinactive until operator 24 comes within some range or proximity ofsurface 14. When an approaching user is detected, interface 12 “wakes”and acknowledges operator 24 by activating the display, lighting thecontrol interface panel, sending an audible wake-up confirmation,vibrating and/or providing other such feedback to operator 24.

Proximity detection strategies may be used separately or in variouscombinations to provide proximity detection for touch sensitiveinterfaces according to the present disclosure. Four representativestrategies for use with capacitive touch switches are describedexplicitly herein and may be implemented in software, hardware, or acombination of software and hardware depending on the particularapplication and implementation. However, those of ordinary skill in theart may recognize various other strategies for use with capacitive touchswitches and/or other touch sensitive detection strategies previouslydescribed. In a first representative strategy, the activation ortriggering threshold used by drive and detection electronics 18 todetermine activation of a touch switch 16 is adjusted to increasesensitivity. When a conductive object, such as user 24, moves towardswitch 16, the signal strength increases and detection occurs when acorresponding threshold is crossed, which may be based on signalstrength or rate of change, for example, as previously described.

In a second representative strategy, proximity detection signal valuesare read from two or more touch switches 16 and processed by drive anddetection electronics 18. Various signal processing strategies may beused to combine the signal values to control and enhance detectionsensitivity. In one embodiment, signal values are combined by summing.The collective signal value has a greater magnitude (and greatermagnitude of change) in response to an approaching or proximate objectsuch that the detection threshold is crossed prior to contact withsurface 14. Other, more sophisticated mathematical/statisticaltechniques may be used to filter and/or process the raw data/signalsprovided by a group or array of sensors to detect a correspondingproximate object.

In a third representative strategy, two or more touch switches 16 aretemporarily or persistently connected together to create a touch switch16 having a larger surface area. This may be accomplished by energizingtwo or more touch switches 16 in multiplexor 91 to electrically joinindividual touch switches 16 together. By increasing switch surfacearea, the signal input to drive and detection electronics 18 willexhibit a correspondingly stronger response to approaching or proximalobjects. This effectively makes the touch switch surface more sensitive.

Proximity detection is provided using a fourth representative strategywhere user interface 12 has dedicated touch sensor switches, areas, orregions having higher sensitivity than other touch switches to detectapproaching or proximal objects. Increased sensitivity may be providedusing one or more of the previously described strategies and/or may beinherent in the construction of the switches or areas designed forproximity detection. These touch sensor switches, areas, or regions canbe strategically positioned around the periphery and/or within userinterface 12 independent of the position of surface 14 or other touchsensitive switches. Alternatively, or in combination, these switches maybe placed adjacent to, or intermixed among, touch switches 16. Likewise,the touch sensor switches, areas, or regions used for proximitydetection can be constructed on separate conductive layers or substratesrelative to other touch sensitive switches.

Any combination of the four noted proximity detection methods can beimplemented to achieve the desired characteristics of proximitydetection to an approaching or proximal object. Proximity detection canbe implemented across the touch interface surface or selectivelycontrolled by sensing the signal(s) provided by one or more touchswitches 16. Likewise, proximity detection may utilize a differentdetection strategy than used for touch sensitive detection/activation ofother switches. For example, infrared or photo detection strategies maybe used for proximity detection with capacitive coupling used to detectactivation of other touch sensitive switches.

Proximity detection may be used to detect three-dimensional gesturalinput. For example, variations in touch switch signal strength, touchswitch location, and/or signal time tracking may be used to provide athree-dimensional gesturing palette via surface 14. Recognition of handgesturing above surface 14 may be performed by analyzing or processinginformation related to depth or distance as represented by the signalstrength corresponding to various touch switches 16. In this way,proximity detection is suited for advanced gesture recognition byprocessing not only multipoint and sequential point gestures in the timedomain, but also adding a third component representing depth or distancethat can be used to differentiate among otherwise similar gestures.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a simplified assembly drawing illustratesconstruction and operation of a representative embodiment of a userinterface having a display and one or more touch sensitive switchesaccording to the present disclosure. User interface device 100incorporates a solid-state touch sensitive panel or pad 102 having anassociated electrical connector 104. In one embodiment, panel 102 isimplemented by a capacitive touch sensor pad, such as the SmartTouch.™.pad available from the assignee of the present application. Sensor panel102 may be constructed as previously described. In the illustratedembodiment, sensor panel 102 is constructed with a generally transparentsubstrate and an array of conductors 118 (not shown to scale) such thatilluminated portions of screen 106 of display 108 are visible to a user.In one embodiment, sensor panel 102 is constructed using indium tinoxide (ITO) with touch sensitive switches or regions positioned orprogrammed as desired for particular applications. Display 108 may beimplemented by a rigid or semi-rigid flat panel or contoured display,such as an LED or LCD display. Alternatively, display 108 may beimplemented by a flexible display, such as an organic light emittingdiode (OLED) or similar display, for example.

As also shown in FIG. 10, device 100 includes one or more electronicscards or boards 110 with associated connectors as represented byconnector 112. Electronics 110 may include various drive and detectionelectronics for sensor panel/layer 102 as previously described. In oneembodiment, electronics 110 include a microprocessor as well as computerreadable storage media implemented by memory and/or persistent storagehaving stored data representing program code or instructions executableby the microprocessor to provide touch sensitive user interfacefunctions for an associated vehicle accessory, personal electronics,tracking system, and the like as described herein. Electronics 110 mayalso include various hardware, firmware, and/or software to communicatewith: a wired or wireless remote input device, such as a mouse, trackball, stylus, or touch pad; a cellular, satellite, or radio frequency(RF) network; and/or active/passive identification tags associated withtracked cargo or objects as described in greater detail herein,particularly with respect to FIGS. 12-14. Electronics board 110 may beconnected to display 108 and sensor panel 102 to control informationpresented to the user via display 108 and process input detected bysensor panel or touch pad 102 as previously described.

User interface device 100 may also include a front cover or faceplate120 having a generally transparent non-conductive active surface area122, which may be made of glass or plastic, for example. Surface area122 may incorporate tinted or smoked material to reduce reflections orglare and enhance visibility of display screen 106. Alternatively, or incombination, one or more anti-reflective (AR) layers or coatings may beapplied to either side of area 122 to provide desired aesthetics and/orenhance visibility or readability of display screen 106. In oneembodiment, a cloaking or masking layer 130 may be used to reducevisibility of features 118 of sensor panel 102 to a user.

Light passing from display screen 106 may be partially reflected by oneor more layers of sensor panel 102 and area 122 of face plate 120resulting in feature pattern 118 being visible to a user. Conventionalstrategies for reducing visibility of features 118 include addingfilters and reflector sheets to mask this visual effect. As illustratedin FIG. 11A, a user interface without a masking layer 130 has features118′ of a sensor panel 102′ visible to a user through transparentsurface 122′ of the faceplate. Although suitable for some applications,visibility of features 118′ may not be particularly aestheticallypleasing and may reduce the readability of display screen 106 throughsurface 122′. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11B, layer 130reduces or eliminates visibility of features 118 through surface 122.According to the present disclosure, appropriate selection of material,thickness, and controlled application of layer 130 may operate to reduceor eliminate internal reflections that otherwise reveal features 118 ofsensor panel 102 to the user. This may be performed by selecting amaterial that reduces or eliminates the refractive index differencesbetween area 122, panel 102, and screen 106, for example, as largedifferences in refractive indices typically generate more internalreflections. In various embodiments layer 130 is implemented by anadhesive spray, liquid, or filter that is generally transparent andcolorless, such as DP-270, which is commercially available from 3-MCorporation, for example. When implemented by an adhesive spray, layer130 is applied to panel 102 and/or the back surface of area 122 in amanner that minimizes or eliminates air bubbles or any contaminantsbetween surface 122 and panel 102. Adhesive layer 130 then securessensor pad 102 to faceplate 120. An additional layer or coating of clearacrylic may be applied to the back side of surface 122 and/or thesurface of panel 102 to further reduce visibility of features 118.Screen 108 and electronics 110 are then assembled with a rear cover (notshown) secured to faceplate 120 to form an air tight seal to preventdust, water, or other environmental contaminants from entering inputdevice 100. This facilitates use of input device 100 in variouschallenging environments.

As previously described, user interface or input device 100 includes anactive surface 122 for entering commands or data via a solid-state touchsensitive switch or array as well as for displaying information to auser via screen 108. For data entry, one or more regions of sensor panel102 may be configured as a keypad or keyboard with corresponding keysdisplayed by screen 108, for example. As previously described, althoughthe illustrated embodiment includes a capacitive sensor panel 102, othertouch detection strategies may be used in place of, or in combinationwith, a capacitive sensor panel 102.

As illustrated and described in greater detail with reference to FIGS.12-14, input device 100 may also interface with one or more remote inputdevices, such as a track ball, mouse, stylus, keypad, keyboard, etc. viaelectronics 110. Input device 100 may be sized for portable use andpowered by an internal battery (not shown), as well as an external ACand/or DC power source. As such, input device 100 may include one ormore data/power interfaces or connectors for charging an internalbattery and exchanging data with a local or remote device or network.Input device 100 may be removably mounted in a vehicle as an interfacefor a logistics management system and/or to control one or more vehicleaccessories or electronic devices within a particular range of thevehicle.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating operation of a system or methodfor tracking items proximate a user interface/input device having atleast one touch sensitive region according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure. System 200 includes a touch sensitive input device 100″having a sealed housing 120″ that encloses a generally transparent touchsensitive active surface 122″. As previously described, a sealedassembly provides a robust device for both permanent, fixedinstallations as well as removable mounting for portable hand-held usewith solid state input suitable for use in challenging environments andapplications. A generally transparent touch detection panel 102″ ispositioned between a display 108″ and active surface 122″. Housing 120″includes at least one printed circuit board 110″ that cooperates withdisplay 108″ and sensor panel 108″ to capture input from a user inproximity to, or in contact with, active surface 122″. Circuit board110″ may include hardware, software, and/or firmware to perform variousfunctions including those of a wireless transmitter/receiver(transceiver) 140, a position/location detection device, such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) 142, device interface 144, and voiceactivation 146, for example.

Device interface 144 may provide various input/output (I/O) functionssuch as raw data or signal conditioning, processing, and/or conversion,short-circuit protection, communication protocol processing, and thelike. Device interface 144 may incorporate one or more dedicatedhardware or firmware chips to condition and process particular signals.Circuit board 110″ may include one or more microcontrollers or computershaving a microprocessor 148 in communication with various types oftemporary and persistent computer readable storage media, which aregenerally represented by memory 150. Computer readable storage media 150may be implemented by any of a number of physical devices such as PROMs(programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrically PROM), EEPROMs(electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electric,magnetic, optical, or combination memory devices capable of storingdata, some of which represent executable instructions, used bymicroprocessor 148. The computer-readable storage media may also includefloppy disks, CD-ROMs, hard disks, and the like depending on theparticular application and implementation.

Similar to previously described embodiments, where capacitive sensing isemployed, sensor layer 102″ may be manufactured using a generallytransparent material such as ITO and secured to the back side of surface122″ with a liquid spray adhesive 130″ between the ITO and face plate.Spray adhesive 130″ eliminates any air gap between the back surface ofarea 122″ and sensor panel 102″. A clear acrylic spray 132 or any clearspray may also be used on the rear surface of area 122″ to create auniform “wet” appearance to further mask the effects of light enteringthrough surface 122″, reflecting from sensor panel 102″, and exiting theface plate in addition to reducing visibility of any grid or array onsensor 102″ illuminated by light from display 108″. Applying a generallytransparent coating or layer 132 to area 122″ or a similar coating orlayer 134 to the back side of panel 102″ may also be used to reduce orcorrect for color shift associated with light transmission betweendifferent layers of ITO panel 102″, display 108″ and active surface122″. Applied coatings 130″ and/or 134 may also provide additionalprotection for the ITO layer 102″ to enhance durability and wearresistance, particularly in applications where one or more touchsensitive regions have exposed ITO.

As also illustrated in FIG. 12, device 100″ may include an internaland/or external antenna 152 for wireless communication with one or morenetworks and/or devices as represented by radio frequency (RF) orcellular tower 162, satellite 164, objects or devices 170-1 to 170-n,and remote input device 160. Device interface hardware and/or software142 cooperates with transceiver 140 and antenna 152 to wirelesslytransmit and receive information using one or more standardcommunication technologies and protocols. Wireless communicationscapabilities may be used to communicate with cell phones, PDAs, laptops,and netbook computers as well as vehicle systems and accessories. Device100″ may utilize wireless communications standards such as WiFi,Bluetooth, 3G, ZigBee, Dash7 (ISO 18000-7), and the like, to remotelyaccess a vehicle and its accessories, or receive information fromsurrounding tagged devices 170-1 to 170-n. Vehicle accessories equippedwith wireless communications or linked on internal networks to deviceshaving wireless communications capability may provide a wireless accesspoint to communicate with the vehicle, cargo, or other tagged items inor around device 100″. In one embodiment, input device 100″ isimplemented by a laptop or hand-held computer.

As previously described, a remote input device 160 may communicate withuser interface/input device 100″ via a wireless communication linkand/or an optional wired link 154. Remote input device 160 may beimplemented by a mouse, keypad, keyboard, track ball, touch pad, etc.Similar to user device 100″, remote input device 160 may be permanentlyor removably mounted in a vehicle, such as illustrated and describedwith respect to FIG. 13, for example.

User interface/input device 100″ may be used to locate and/or track oneor more objects 170 having associated active or passive identificationtags 166, 168, respectively. Tags 166, 168 may be implemented usingradio frequency identification (RFID) technology to communicate at leastidentification information to device 100″. Position information may alsobe transmitted, or may be determined indirectly by device 100″ based onsignal strength and/or direction for each tagged device.

Utilization of active and/or passive tags and the type of informationstored and/or transmitted by a particular tag may depend on a number ofconsiderations. In general, a passive tag does not contain its own powersource, such as a battery. Power to transmit identification and/orlocation information is supplied by the polling or reading device 100″via antenna 152. When radio waves from antenna 152 are encountered by apassive RFID tag 168, an internal tag antenna and coil generatesufficient power to activate the tag and transmit some or all of itsstored information encoded in a tag memory. Passive tags generally havea longer life than active tags, are less expensive to manufacture, andare much smaller. However, passive tags usually have a shorter usefulrange, typically on the order of several feet from device 100″. Activetags have one or more internal power supply sources, such as a battery,electrovoltaic (solar cell), MEMS device, or radioactive isotope toprovide on-board power that can be used as a partial or complete sourceof power for the tag circuitry and antenna. Active tags can generally beread at distances of one hundred to several hundred feet or more,greatly improving their utility and flexibility for a number ofapplications. They may also include other sensors that can useelectricity for power, such as a location or motion sensor, for example.However, active tags are generally larger and more expensive tomanufacture than passive tags.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally independent of theparticular type of identification tag 166, 168 and the particularcommunication strategy employed, both of which may vary depending on theparticular application. Tracked objects or devices 170 may employ one ormore identification tags 166, 168, which may use various communicationstrategies intended for low-power, low-bandwidth digital communications,such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, or Dash-7, for example. Those of ordinaryskill in the art may recognize operational characteristics of aparticular type of tag or communication strategy that provide advantagesfor particular applications. For example, tags employing a communicationstrategy using a relatively longer wavelength, such as Dash-7, may beable to penetrate surrounding obstacles made of metallic materials orconcrete better than tags using ZigBee, or Wi-Fi, for example. A singleidentification tag 166 or 168 may be associated with more than onetracked item or object. For example, a single tag may be associated witha bin, pallet, or other container associated with multiple trackedobjects. Likewise, different types of identification tags may be usedfor different types of objects. For example, more sophisticated activetags may be used to identify more valuable objects with less expensivepassive tags used for less valuable objects or items.

In one embodiment, system 200 is used to track items, object, and/orequipment 170 that is to be utilized for a particular project, such as aconstruction project. Items, objects, and/or equipment 170 useful for aparticular job or project include associated wireless identificationtags 166, 168 that communicate with user interface/input device 100″ andmay include tools and equipment as well as construction materials, forexample. A list of items needed for the project is transmitted orprovided to device 100″ and the corresponding items are collected andplaced in a vehicle for delivery to the job site. Device 100″ may pollor query particular items 170, or may broadcast a general request forany tagged objects within range to respond. Alternatively, or incombination, any active ID tags 166, 168 may periodically transmitidentification information, or transmit identification information whenmovement of the object is detected, for example. Device 100″ detectslocation and/or proximity of items 170 within range and determineswhether all items listed for the project or for a particular deliveryvehicle are present. Depending on the particular application, proximityof objects 170 to user device 100″ may be determined by signal strengthand direction of responding ID tags 166, 168, and/or by positioncoordinates of particular objects relative to position coordinates ofdevice 100″ with position coordinates determined using GPS system 142and satellites 164, cellular network 162, and/or similarposition/location determination strategies.

Device 100″ may include various features to provide logistics managementfor identifying and tracking items 170. In one embodiment, device 100″determines whether all items 170 identified by a project list arelocated within proximity of device 100″ and provides a correspondingalert or acknowledgment to a user. Project lists may include variouscategories of items with associated properties. For example, categoriescould include one category of items that are expected to remain withinproximity of device 100″, such as tools and/or equipment, and anothercategory of items that are expected to be separated from device 100″,such as construction materials or consumables, for example. Device 100″may provide an alert to an operator in response to one or more items 170changing position, moving away from device 100″, and/or moving out ofrange/proximity, for example.

Use of system 200 in logistics management or project tracking mayprovide a number of advantages. For example, object tracking using asolid-state touch sensitive user interface 100″ may improve efficiencyby assuring that all useful items (tools, equipment, materials) arepresent for a particular project while providing a convenient, portablehand-held device suitable for the challenging environments oftenencountered in such applications. Similarly, item tracking may be usedto manage equipment inventory to reduce lost equipment or identifyunauthorized movement of equipment or goods.

FIG. 13 illustrates a representative application for userinterface/input devices having at least one touch sensitive regionaccording to the present disclosure. Vehicle interior 190 includes aremovably mounted user interface/input device 100-1 as well as a fixedor permanently mounted user interface/input device 100-2. Device 100-2is mounted in dashboard or instrument panel 202, while device 100-1 isremovably mounted in center stack console 204 between a driver seat 206and passenger seat 208. Vehicle interior 190 may include an integratedor dedicated mounting location and/or hardware for device 100-1,although a particular location or mounting device is not required.Device 100-1 may include a data/power cord 192 to provide a wiredconnection to various vehicle systems or networks, to charge an internalbattery, and/or to power device 100-1. Device 100-1 may also communicatewirelessly using a proprietary to standard communication strategy toexchange data with vehicle 190 and/or portable user electronics andtracked objects or items as previously described. Devices 100-1 and100-2 may share or duplicate various functions for controlling vehicleaccessories, and/or personal electronics as well as tracking one or moreobjects as described herein. Redundant control of one or more vehiclefunctions or accessories using devices 100-1 and 100-2 would provideaccessory controls for vehicle occupants when device 100-1 is removedfrom the vehicle, for example. Alternatively, each device 100-1 and100-2 may have separate dedicated features/functions depending on theparticular application.

A removable, portable device 100-1 affords various advantages to users.For example, an operator can receive real time vehicle status while awayfrom vehicle 190. Likewise, an operator can control vehicle accessoriesusing device 100-1 and/or using personal electronic devices wirelesslylinked to device 100-1 and/or 100-2 from outside the vehicle or awayfrom the instrument panel 202. Remote communications with the vehiclealso allows an operator to monitor vehicle security status. Vehiclefeatures/accessories such as climate control, sunroof, and window liftcontrols can be accessed to adjust vehicle ventilation and temperaturecharacteristics. Personal electronic devices can connect with vehicleaccessories like audio headsets/earphones and video players to share AVfiles and information. Likewise, wireless portable devices can link withvehicle electronics to exchange information like contact lists,appointments, notes, etc.

As also illustrated in FIG. 13, vehicle interior 190 may include one ormore remote input devices 160-1 and 160-2 in communication with device100-1 and/or device 100-2. Remote input devices 160-1 and/or 160-2 maycommunicate with associated devices 100-1 and/or 100-2 via a wired,wireless, or combination wired/wireless communication link. For example,remote input device 160-1 may have a wired connection to a vehiclesystem/network that wirelessly communicates input to device 100-1 and/or100-2. In the representative embodiment illustrated, one or more inputdevices 160 are mounted on steering wheel 210. Remote input device 160-1is implemented by a touch pad or touch sensor, while remote input device160-2 is implemented by a track ball or mouse. Of course, other types ofremote input devices may be provided and mounted in various locationswithin vehicle 190 for convenient access by a driver or other occupant.Audio input may be provided to device 100-1 and/or 100-2 using one ormore embedded microphones 220. Speech recognition may be provided by thevehicle systems with corresponding data provided to devices 100.Alternatively, the speech signal may be provided for processing by aspeech recognition subsystem embedded within one or more devices 100.

The user interface 100-2 may also utilize at least one camera. Thecamera can be powered by using the battery supply of the vehicle, usinginterchangeable batteries, or by using a rechargeable battery that isconnected to a solar cell on the camera. The camera(s) can be mounted tothe user interface 100-2 or anyplace within the cockpit represented byFIG. 13. The camera can feed a video stream using a wired connection, awireless connection, or the like. The user interface can use the cameraon its own, to determine gestures, or in conjunction with othercapacitive touch pads 160-1 and 160-2.

One example of such a system would have a camera 100-3 mounted directlyin front of the driver. The user interface 100-2 would then capturevideo data from camera 100-3 to determine a driver's gesture. The drivercould move either hand 100-5 on the steering wheel 210 to adjust radiosettings, navigation, change the menu on a heads up display 100-4, orthe like. The user interface 100-2 could also track the driver's eyesusing camera 100-3. If the user interface 100-2 does not obtain inputfrom the camera 100-3 regarding the driver's eyes for a pre-determinedperiod of time an alarm could sound to get the driver's attention. Thereare significant safety advantages for such a system. The driver can getvehicle information without looking away from the road, which cancontribute to preventing an accident by keeping the driver's attentionon the road.

Another safety example would utilize the camera 100-3 mounted at theuser interface 100-2. In this example the user interface 100-2 coulddetermine who is trying to use the interface by getting the video feedfrom camera 100-3 mounted directly at the user interface 100-2. If thedriver tries to access the user interface 100-2 while the vehicle ismoving, the user interface 100-2 can lock them out and sound an alert.If the passenger tries to access the interface all functions arepermitted. This forces the driver to focus on the road. The userinterface 100-2 can interpret who is using the interface by using thecamera to detect which direction the touch is coming from. If the camerafeed indicates the drivers face or an approaching hand or arm from thedriver's side of the vehicle, it can determine that the driver isattempting to gain access to the user interface. The video feed from thecamera 100-3 may indicate that a passenger is attempting to access theuser interface 100-2 in which case such access is permitted while thevehicle is moving.

In one example, the driver may use the user interface 100-2 features ifthe driver is focused on the road. The camera 100-3 provides video feedinformation indicating a direction in which the driver's eyes arelooking. The processor of the user interface 100-2 determines, withinsome pre-programmed level of certainty, whether the driver is lookingstraight ahead (e.g., focused on driving). If so, the driver may use ahand or finger gesture in proximity of the steering wheel 201 toindicate a desired operation. If the driver's eyes do not appear to befocused on the road based on information from the camera 100-3, then thedriver may not be permitted to access the functionality of the userinterface 100-2. Similarly, the driver may need to keep her hands on ornear the steering wheel, which can be discerned from the camera 100-3,to have access to the functionality of the user interface 100-2.

There are also convenience considerations with a user interface system100-2 and a dash mounted camera 100-3. One such example involves a truckwith a snowplow. The driver never has to remove their hands 100-5 fromthe steering wheel 210 to make an adjustment to the plow orientation orposition. When the user wants the plow to go in a particular directionthey simply need to gesture with a finger in the direction they wouldlike the plow to move. The user interface 100-2 uses the camera 100-3 tocapture the gesture, interpret its meaning and send a message to theplow controller to move the plow. Alternatively, whole hand gesturescould be used by the driver using one hand while keeping the other handon the steering wheel. The hand motions would be interpreted by theinterface 100-2 as seen by the camera 100-3.

A user interface utilizing a camera for gesture recognition can also beused in a keyless entry configuration. There are some problems with manyhands free keyless entry systems to detect an operator before touchingthe vehicle. One problem is the effective range of the system. Acapacitive system typically has a sensing range of less than ten inches.In this case the keyfob could be used but becomes a hindrance when theuser's hands are full. The user also can touch a specific area of thevehicle to gain entry, but this also is a hindrance when the user'shands are full. Another problem with a hands free keyless entry systemis the power consumption required to run these systems to detect aperson at a distance more than 3 feet when the vehicle is turned off.Using a camera based user interface system on the rear trunk, lift gate,door, or the like with a self-contained power source eliminates therange and touching issues. By using a camera in a hands free keylessentry system the effective range can be increased to 5-10 ft. Forexample a user approaching the vehicle with both hands full may use bodyor head movements to tell the system they are the authorized user andrequest that the system open the trunk. The user can have more than onegesture to activate the hands free keyless entry. To reduce powerconsumption, the camera entry system will go into sleep mode when itdetermines there is no person or a stationary object for a period oftime. This can be set to any desired time such as: on 200 ms, off 25s orany combination to detect a person 3-5 ft away and look for a gesture.

FIG. 15 is an example of a hands free keyless entry system utilizing auser interface 401 and a camera 402 attached to a rear lift gate 400.The user approaches the lift gate 400 and is recognized by the userinterface 401 through the camera 402. User recognition in someembodiments is based on the camera detecting any individual within thefield of vision of the camera. In other embodiments an authorized useris recognized based on facial recognition using a known technique or bythe user providing some indication, such as a gesture, that isrecognized by the system as an authorization input. Once a recognizeduser performs a head, hand, leg, or body gesture that is recognized bythe user interface 401 and the lift gate 400 is opened. To preventexcessive power consumption the user interface 401 has an internalrechargeable battery that is recharged via a solar cell 403.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating operation of a system or methodaccording to the present disclosure. FIG. 14 illustrates variousfeatures of a representative system or method that may be implemented inhardware and/or software. Software features are generally represented bycorresponding control strategy and/or logic stored as instructions orcode executed by at least one microprocessor-based computer orcontroller. Code may be processed using any of a number of knownstrategies such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking,multi-threading, and the like. As such, various steps or functionsillustrated may be performed in the sequence illustrated, in parallel,or in some cases omitted. Although not explicitly illustrated, one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that one or more of theillustrated functions may be repeatedly performed depending upon theparticular processing strategy being used. Similarly, the order ofexecution is not necessarily required to achieve the features andadvantages described herein, but is provided for ease of illustrationand description. Software, program code, or instructions may be storedin one or more computer-readable storage media accessible to thecomputer or controller. The computer-readable storage media may includeone or more of a number of known physical devices which utilizeelectric, magnetic, optical, and/or hybrid storage to provide temporaryand/or persistent storage of executable instructions and associateddata, operating variables, and the like.

As represented by block 300 of FIG. 14, one embodiment of a system ormethod according to the present disclosure includes identifying at leastone target object associated with a target task or project using atouch-sensitive user interface device. The user may operate thetouch-sensitive user interface to identify objects, such as tools,equipment, construction materials, etc. for a particular project for aconstruction application. For a delivery or logistics application,identified objects may represent packages, bins, pallets, etc. for aparticular location, area, or route, for example. Alternatively, or incombination, the user may manipulate a remote input device incommunication with the user interface device, such as a mouse, trackball, stylus, touch pad, or the like as represented by block 302. Theuser interface device may be permanently or removably mounted in avehicle with the remote input device mounted to a steering wheel, centerconsole, or instrument panel, for example, as previously described. Thetouch-sensitive user interface device may be used to directly enterobject identification information using a menu, keyboard, or keypaddisplayed by the user interface device and/or may be obtained from awired or wireless network connection as represented by block 304. In oneembodiment, the system or method include detecting user input based oncapacitive coupling of the user in proximity or contact with one or moretouch-sensitive regions of the user interface device as represented byblock 306.

Depending on the particular strategy used to identify tracked objects,the system or method may optionally transmit a polling signal toactivate passive-type identification tags as represented by block 310. Apolling signal may be transmitted periodically and/or in response to aparticular command or request generated by the user or triggered byoccurrence of an event, for example. The polling signal may be receivedby tracked objects within proximity of the user device to activate orread the identification information from those objects. Alternatively,active identification tags may periodically transmit an identificationand/or location signal. Whether transmitted by an active or passive tag,an identification signal associated with the tracked object(s) withinproximity of the user interface device is received as represented byblock 320. The received signal may be used to determine the position ofeach tracked object relative to the user interface device. In oneembodiment, tracked objects transmit position/location information usingGPS coordinates determined by GPS satellites. Proximity of tracked itemsmay also be inferred based on signal characteristics, such as signaldirection and strength, for example. Location information for trackedobjects may also be determined indirectly via a wireless or wirednetwork connection. For example, tracked objects may transmitidentification and/or position information to a base station or relaystation with the information forwarded to a user interface device via awireless or wired network connection.

Identification information for one or more tracked objects may be usedto determine whether the previously identified objects are presentwithin a particular area or proximity of the user interface device asrepresented by block 340. The particular area, proximity, or range todetermine “presence” may be specified by the user and may vary dependingon the particular application. The user interface device may generate analert for the user with respect to the status of one or more trackedobjects as represented by block 350. For example, the user interfacedevice may generate an alert that all items specified for a particularlist are within the designated proximity to be “present”. An alert maybe generated indicated that one or more tracked objects have changedposition/location, or that one or more tracked objects have moved out ofa particular proximity or range of the user interface device. Variousother types of status messages or alerts may be specified depending onthe particular application.

In addition to providing an interface to a tracking or logisticsmanagement system, the user interface device may be used to control oneor more vehicle accessories or personal electronic devices asrepresented by block 360. As such, the user interface device providesflexibility for use with a variety of vehicle-related applications whileaffording a single user interface that may be portable and robust foruse in challenging environments.

While embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated anddescribed, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate anddescribe all possible forms of the present disclosure. Rather, the wordsused in the specification are words of description rather thanlimitation, and it is understood that various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A user interface, comprising: a display includinga touch sensitive active surface, a transparent touch detection panelpositioned between the display and the touch sensitive active surface,the transparent touch detection panel including a surface and an arrayof electronically conductive conductors and a transparent layer adjacentthe surface; a processor in communication with the display, theprocessor being configured to obtain information regarding a userinteraction with at least one touch-sensitive region of the touchsensitive active surface; and a remote input device in communicationwith the display and configured for providing an indication to theprocessor regarding a user movement, the processor controlling at leastone of a selection or movement of a cursor on the display based upon theuser movement detected by the remote input device, wherein the userinterface is adapted to be removably mounted to a vehicle.
 2. The userinterface of claim 1, wherein the remote input device comprises at leastone camera.
 3. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the remote inputdevice comprises at least one track ball.
 4. The user interface of claim1, wherein the remote input device comprises a capacitive touch pad. 5.The user interface device of claim 1, wherein the remote input devicecomprises at least one of a smart phone and a hand held device.
 6. Theuser interface of claim 1, wherein the remote input device comprises amouse.
 7. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the processor hasaccess to a storage containing information regarding a plurality ofpre-determined gestures and wherein the processor controls the selectionor movement of the cursor on the display according to a pre-determinedcontrol associated with one of the pre-determined gestures based uponthe remote input device providing an indication of the user movementcorresponding to the one of the pre-determined gestures.
 8. The userinterface of claim 1, wherein the remote input device comprises a camerasituated for capturing at least one image of the user movement and eyesof the user; the user is a driver of the vehicle; and the processor isconfigured to control the at least one of the selection or movement ofthe cursor on the display when the camera provides information to theprocessor that the driver's eyes are situated in a predeterminedorientation relative to the vehicle and the driver is making at leastone of the pre-determined gestures with at least one finger or hand. 9.The user interface of claim 1, wherein the remote input device comprisesat least one camera situated in the vehicle for observing a driver andat least one passenger in the vehicle; the processor is configured todisable functions of the user interface based upon the driver attemptingto control the user interface while the vehicle is moving; and theprocessor is configured to enable functions of the user interface basedupon the passenger attempting to control the user interface while thevehicle is moving.
 10. A user interface comprising; a display adapted tobe fixed inside a vehicle and including a touch sensitive activesurface, a transparent touch detection panel positioned between thedisplay and the touch sensitive active surface, the transparent touchdetection panel including a surface and an array of electronicallyconductive conductors and a transparent layer adjacent the surface; aprocessor in communication with the display, the processor beingconfigured to obtain information regarding a user interaction with atleast one touch-sensitive region of the touch sensitive active surface;a remote input device configured for providing an indication to theprocessor regarding a user movement, the processor controlling at leastone of a selection or movement of a cursor on the display based upon theuser movement detected by the remote input device, wherein the userinterface is adapted to be removably mounted to a vehicle; wherein theremote input device comprises a camera situated in the vehicle forcapturing at least one image of the user movement and eyes of the user,and the processor is configured to control the at least one of theselection or movement of the cursor on the display when the cameraprovides information to the processor that the user's eyes are situatedin a predetermined orientation relative to the vehicle and the user ismaking at least one of pre-determined gesture with at least one fingeror hand; and wherein the remote input device observes the user being adriver and at least one passenger in the vehicle, the processor isconfigured to disable functions of the user interface based upon thedriver attempting to control the user interface while the vehicle ismoving, and the processor is configured to enable functions of the userinterface based upon the passenger attempting to control the userinterface while the vehicle is moving.
 11. A user interface comprising;a display adapted to be fixed inside a vehicle and including a touchsensitive active surface, a transparent touch detection panel positionedbetween the display and the touch sensitive active surface, thetransparent touch detection panel including a surface and an array ofelectronically conductive conductors and a transparent layer adjacentthe surface; a processor in communication with the display, theprocessor being configured to obtain information regarding a userinteraction with at least one touch-sensitive region of the touchsensitive active surface; a remote input device configured for providingan indication to the processor regarding the user movement, theprocessor controlling at least one of a selection or movement of acursor on the display based upon a user movement detected by the remoteinput device, wherein the user interface is adapted to be removablymounted to a vehicle; wherein the remote input device comprises at leastone camera, track ball, capacitive touch pad, smart phone, hand helddevice, and a mouse; and wherein the processor has access to a storagecontaining information regarding a plurality of pre-determined gesturesand wherein the processor controls the selection or movement of a cursoron the display according to a pre-determined control associated with oneof the pre-determined gestures based upon the remote input deviceproviding an indication of a user movement corresponding to the one ofthe pre-determined gestures.